Ms Sarah Fitzgerald lead research using data collected from the Food Choice at Work Study (more info here), investigating what health status outcomes and lifestyle factors influence workplace absenteeism. The study consisted of 540 randomly selected employees from the four participating Cork-based workplaces.

A hot topic in the media and an area that is lacking robust evidence, Sarah's study used data objectively collected, to shed light to an area that is fraught with ambiguity and sensationalism.

A much-needed qualitative analysis of workplace interventions focusing on what can help or hinder dietary change using the workplace as the site for change was led by Sarah Fitzgerald, a PhD scholar at the HRB Centre for Health and Diet Research.

The workplace has been identified as an ideal setting to promote healthy dietary behaviours as two-thirds of people’s waking hours are spent at work. However, the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of workplace dietary interventions are uncertain.

The use and abuse of p-values

With an estimated 1 in 10 people in Ireland that have suffered from depression, it has been suggested that certain protective lifestyle behaviours such as having a healthy diet, being physically active, having a moderate alcohol intake and being a non-smoker, may be linked to positive mental health.

As part of the very successfull Life Long Learning FestivalDr Janas Harrington, Public Health Nutritionist and Centre for Health and Diet Research lead researcher talked to a packed house on the importance of a balanced diet, giving examples and answering questions on what exactly a good diet looks like.